After an illustrious span in the international cricketing arcade, one of the most revered fast bowlers in the history of women’s cricket, Shabnim Ismail stepped down to look after her family. This was the fourth telling blow to the South Africans who have already lost the likes of Lizelle Lee, Mignon du Preez and Dane van Niekerk.
Shanim Ismail, the speed demon of South Africa was also an efficient enforcer of pace, raging through the defenses of the batters. Calling it a day at the age of 34, Shabnim has conquered countries and continents alike.
A glance at the legacy of Shabnim Ismail
She was just the second bowler in the history of the game to have registered 190 plus wickets in ODI cricket for women with Jhulan Goswami being the highest wicket taker in women’s cricket in the longer format of the game with 255 scalps.
Shabnim racked up 241 caps in her prolonged residence in the international circuit and would often terrorize the batters with her raw brand of pace that would leave her opposition curled up in a shell. She also bowled the fastest ball in the history of international cricket at a speed of 128 kays which was also the fastest ball bowled in the history of women’s cricket until Ellyse Perry rattled the speed gun with her raw pace in WPL.
This is what Twitter had to say about Shabnim Ismail
In her farewell speech, Shabnim would say, “After 16 years proudly representing my country, I have come to the difficult decision to retire from international cricket and move on to the next chapter of my life. I really believe that reducing the amount of cricket I play will enable me to do this, and playing in global leagues is the only way I see to be able to fit in both family and cricket.”
Twitter paid their tributes to the South African speedster in the brightest of fashion, as she bowed out of the game in scintillating fashion.
Most WODI wickets for South Africa ✅
Most WT20I wickets for South Africa ✅
241 international caps ✅Shabnim Ismail has announced her retirement from international cricket. One of the greats… pic.twitter.com/1Yki1G62Hp
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) May 3, 2023
Another Proteas Women player retires
This time it is the massive one of Shabnim Ismail. She will be focusing on her family and playing T20 Leagues
Go well you speed superstar 🌟 pic.twitter.com/p9gUy2ml4x
— Werner (@Werries_) May 3, 2023
🚨 JUST IN 🚨
South African Pace bowler Shabnim Ismail announces her retirement to focus on her family. #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/AVsMNZY7iE
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) May 3, 2023
🚨 Just in: 🇿🇦 bowler Shabnim Ismail announced her retirement from international cricket
She finishes her career as the second-highest wicket-taker in women's ODIs, and with the most wickets for South Africa across all formats ⭐ pic.twitter.com/FMXjLLfdfU
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) May 3, 2023
SHABNIM ISMAIL RETIRES 🚨
Legendary fast bowler Shabnim Ismail has announced her retirement from all forms of international cricket for the Proteas Women with immediate effect to focus on her family 🏏
2⃣4⃣1⃣ internationals
3⃣1⃣7⃣ wicketsThank you for everything Shabnim 🙏 pic.twitter.com/GqzD9WZNn5
— Proteas Women (@ProteasWomenCSA) May 3, 2023
